HP is set to expand its manufacturing operations in India by producing Chromebooks. The collaboration with Google will see HP manufacturing these affordable laptops in India, catering to the increasing demand for budget-friendly PCs in the country.

Make in India HP Chromebooks to Begin Manufacturing in October

The production of HP Chromebooks is scheduled to commence on October 2 at HP’s Flex Facility near Chennai, where the company has been producing Windows laptops for the past three years. However, specific details about production capacity have not been disclosed, making it uncertain how many Chromebooks will be produced annually.

Catering to Affordable PC Needs in India

Vickram Bedi, Senior Director of Personal Systems at HP, emphasized that manufacturing Chromebook laptops in India aligns with the government’s Make in India initiative, enabling Indian students to access affordable PCs easily.

Growing Popularity of Chromebooks in India

Chromebooks have gained popularity in India, particularly in the education sector, due to their affordability and portability. They are also known for their extended software support, with Google recently announcing a policy to provide 10 years of automatic software updates for Chromebooks released in 2021 or later, starting in 2024.

A Range of Chromebooks for Different Needs

HP offers a range of Chromebooks with various display sizes and form factors in India, catering to different user preferences and needs. These Chromebooks typically range from Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 in price, making them accessible to a wide range of users.

Expanding Local Laptop Manufacturing in India

HP’s move to manufacture Chromebooks locally follows a trend in the industry, with Samsung also planning to begin laptop manufacturing in India. The Indian government’s recent restrictions on laptop imports have prompted laptop makers to invest in local manufacturing facilities. However, there are reports that the government is considering alternatives to boost local laptop production without negatively impacting the country’s IT industry.